The next questions refer to the following table, which compares the % sequence homology of four different parts (two introns and two exons) of a gene that is found in five different eukaryotic species. Each part is numbered to indicate its distance from the promoter (e.g., Intron I is the one closest to the promoter). The data reported for species A were obtained by comparing DNA from one member of species A to another member of species A.
% Sequence Homology

-Regarding these sequence homology data, the principle of maximum parsimony would be applicable in
A) distinguishing introns from exons.
B) determining degree of sequence homology.
C) selecting appropriate genes for comparison among species.
D) inferring evolutionary relatedness from the number of sequence differences.

Question

The next questions refer to the following table, which compares the % sequence homology of four different parts (two introns and two exons) of a gene that is found in five different eukaryotic species. Each part is numbered to indicate its distance from the promoter (e.g., Intron I is the one closest to the promoter). The data reported for species A were obtained by comparing DNA from one member of species A to another member of species A.
% Sequence Homology
 
-Regarding these sequence homology data, the principle of maximum parsimony would be applicable in
A) distinguishing introns from exons. 
B) determining degree of sequence homology. 
C) selecting appropriate genes for comparison among species. 
D) inferring evolutionary relatedness from the number of sequence differences.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of maximum parsimony states that the simplest explanation that fits the data is the best one. In this case, using the number of sequence differences to infer evolutionary relatedness among the species is a simple and parsimonious method. Additionally, it is not relevant for distinguishing introns from exons or selecting appropriate genes for comparison among species.

The Next Questions Refer to the Following Table, Which Compares